Ten girls have been arrested in Giika, Meru County, on suspicion of undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Area chief Gerevasio Mucheke reported that during a local administration operation, the girls’ parents were also taken into custody, while two other suspects remain at large.
The girls, aged between 10 and 16, were identified through a WhatsApp group where messages indicated they had undergone the procedure. “This has truly shocked us, as we cannot understand why anyone would revert to such a barbaric practice. We have also arrested the woman who performed the procedure,” Mucheke stated.
Assistant Chief Anaclate Mutwiri of Marega Sub-Location noted, “Out of 17 girls, it has been confirmed that 10 underwent the procedure. This is something we have not witnessed in our community for many years.”
Local resident and teacher Ezra Muchai added, “We want to warn anyone considering this that we will report you to the authorities. This practice causes significant harm and disadvantages.”
